2008 Woodie Awards
Students consider changing online image
Sites such as Facebook and MySpace may not be so private after all
Ian Frazier
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Perspectives
Can an online image make or break someone? Today with popular social networking Websites such as Facebook and MySpace, people can virtually be who ever they want to be. How much do you really care?
With the nature of these Websites being an open media, people can use this as an opportunity for expression or an opportunity for reinvention. It is a forum to reveal the hidden persona. Some online images are overt; blatant drinking and drug use, coming out and lifestyle choices, and often lewd or promiscuous behavior.
Some users present themselves in a positive light, having the opportunity to showcase their hidden strengths and talents.
It is generally thought these online images, under our control, is a means of exhibiting independence.
Be aware, not only can your online profiles alter your image but also the images of other people. Tagging pictures and posting on people's walls can hurt the person on the other end. Although college students are less apt to be influenced by others, many are still insecure and vulnerable.
Many students indicated they were aware of potential negative impact.
"I know athletes need to keep their online image as clean as possible to protect their athletic contracts," said senior Mikara Cimmino.
A person's online image can sometimes seem more important than their actual behavior, but not everyone's behavior seems to be affected by how they may be perceived online, even to the point of appearing ambivalent.
"Online image isn't something I focus on however I do use my best judgement when it comes to posting things. I would never put anything on the internet that I wouldn't want anyone to see or anything that would represent me in a negative way," said senior Tara Pisciotto.
Is it acceptable to not care about an online image? Is it necessary to present and maintain a positive online image? If people ignore the risks of a bad online image, there can be consequences.
Schools and companies use these online social networking sites as tools. Not only can a seemingly harmless picture stop someone from receiving a job, it can get a person fired. Employers use Facebook and MySpace for scouting and in some cases will actually force the employee to reveal their profile on these websites if it has been blocked.
Should MySpace be just that - my space to be whoever I want to be in my personal virtual-world. Should the risks in the real world be allowed to invade my virtual one? Do I need to be more careful and post as if this was my resume? These are things to think about.
With the nature of these Websites being an open media, people can use this as an opportunity for expression or an opportunity for reinvention. It is a forum to reveal the hidden persona. Some online images are overt; blatant drinking and drug use, coming out and lifestyle choices, and often lewd or promiscuous behavior.
Some users present themselves in a positive light, having the opportunity to showcase their hidden strengths and talents.
It is generally thought these online images, under our control, is a means of exhibiting independence.
Be aware, not only can your online profiles alter your image but also the images of other people. Tagging pictures and posting on people's walls can hurt the person on the other end. Although college students are less apt to be influenced by others, many are still insecure and vulnerable.
Many students indicated they were aware of potential negative impact.
"I know athletes need to keep their online image as clean as possible to protect their athletic contracts," said senior Mikara Cimmino.
A person's online image can sometimes seem more important than their actual behavior, but not everyone's behavior seems to be affected by how they may be perceived online, even to the point of appearing ambivalent.
"Online image isn't something I focus on however I do use my best judgement when it comes to posting things. I would never put anything on the internet that I wouldn't want anyone to see or anything that would represent me in a negative way," said senior Tara Pisciotto.
Is it acceptable to not care about an online image? Is it necessary to present and maintain a positive online image? If people ignore the risks of a bad online image, there can be consequences.
Schools and companies use these online social networking sites as tools. Not only can a seemingly harmless picture stop someone from receiving a job, it can get a person fired. Employers use Facebook and MySpace for scouting and in some cases will actually force the employee to reveal their profile on these websites if it has been blocked.
Should MySpace be just that - my space to be whoever I want to be in my personal virtual-world. Should the risks in the real world be allowed to invade my virtual one? Do I need to be more careful and post as if this was my resume? These are things to think about.
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